COSTUME DESIGN IN NIGERIA SCREEN PRODUCTIONS: FEMI ADEBYO'S SEVEN DOORS AS CASE STUDY

ABSTRACT This study examines the role of costume design in enhancing cultural expression and visual storytelling in Nigerian screen productions using Femi Adebayo’s Seven Doors as a case study. The study identifies how costumes communicate character identity, social status and Yoruba cultural values within the narrative. The research adopts a qualitative research design and content analysis method, focusing on selected scenes from the six episode series. Primary data was obtained through direct observation of the film while secondary data was sourced from online materials on costume theory and Nollywood studies as well as interview videos. Findings reveal that costume plays a crucial role in reinforcing cultural symbolism, historical context, character development and thematic depth in Seven Doors. The study concludes that indigenous costume design significantly contributes to Nigerian epic filmmaking and recommends that filmmakers continue to adopt culturally grounded costumes to preserve identity and enhance visual authenticity in Nollywood productions.